BRPI0709856A2 - mattress comprising a lower base layer, an air chamber layer disposed above the lower base layer - Google Patents

Abstract

MATTRESS, UNDERSTANDING A LOWER BASE LAYER, A AIR LAYER LAYOUT ABOVE THE LOWER BASE LAYER The invention relates to a mattress (1) comprising a lower base layer (2), an air chamber layer (3, 8) arranged above the lower base layer (2), granular material incorporated in the air chamber layer, and adjustment means (4) to adjust the amount of air in the air chamber layer (3.8) between the resting position, wherein the granular material fills at least almost the entire air chamber layer (3.8), and an adjustment position in which the air chamber layer (3.8) is only partially filled with granular material.

Description

MATTRESS, UNDERSTANDING A LOWER BASE LAYER, A BEDROOM DRAFT DISPLATE ABOVE THE LOWER BASE LAYER

The invention relates to a mattress comprising a lower base layer and an inner tube layer disposed above the lower base layer, as known, for example, from International Patent Application WO2004 / 098481. In this known mattress an amount of granular material is incorporated into the base layer. A vacuum can be created in the lower base layer whereby it becomes rigid after being placed in a desired shape. The person resting on the mattress, in particular a patient, but possibly also a healthy user, may thus be appropriately supported in a desired position by means of the air chamber layer.

Although a patient or user may be well-offended by the known mattress, for example during medical treatment, such a known mattress is inappropriate for lying on it for an extended period of time because the person cannot easily change position.

The invention is now intended to provide a mattress of the type described in the preamble of the main claim, wherein such a problem is avoided. For this purpose the mattress according to the invention as characterized in claim 1 comprises, inter alia, measuring which solid molding material, such as granular material is incorporated in the air chamber layer and adjusting means for adjusting the amount of air in the air chamber layer between the resting position, wherein the air chamber layer is substantially filled with only the solid molding material, and a adjustment position in which the air chamber layer is only partially filled with the material and also usually with air under pressure.

In the resting position a person lying on the mattress is supported well, while he / she can easily change position in the adjustment position. Once a person has changed position the means of restoration restores rest, whereby good support is again obtained in the new position.

A very favorable further development of the mattress according to the invention is characterized in claim 2. The mattress also works very well in this mode when the person at rest is, for example, sleeping. When the person moves in order to change deposition, the adjusting means feed an amount of air into the air chamber layer, whereby the person can easily change position on a stiffer mattress. Once the person is seated again, which in turn is detected by the moving detection means, the adjusting means then discharge the amount of air from the air chamber layer, whereby the person at rest is again supported by the material in the layer. tube which, as previously, "molds" itself below and in the personless configuration.

Also favorable development is characterized in claim 4. The energy required to increase the amount of air in the air chamber layer is therefore limited whereby the associated noise may also be limited. A suitable embodiment of an air accumulator is characterized in claim 5.

Another embodiment of a suitable air accumulator is characterized in claim 7. The air pump needs to have only a small capacity because it needs to feed air into the air bag for a longer time than necessary to feed the air amount into the chamber layer. air from the rest position to the adjustment position.

A material suitable for the material comprises granular material, latex, foam (parts or flakes), expanded polyether and / or polystyrene granules, and so on. The granules move easily in the air chamber so that they can adequately assume a complete shape corresponding to the body part of the person resting on the mattress in contact with it. Good support, particularly at rest, can also be achieved with materials other than the established and other materials.

A suitable embodiment of the air chamber layer is characterized in claim 9.

In order to allow a good distribution of the granular material and the possibility of adjustment to the body shape, the measurement according to claim 10 is preferably applied.

Also suitable development of the mattress according to the invention, and in particular of the chamber chamber layer, is characterized in claim 11. The blocks prevent the tensile stresses occurring in the topocco layer can be transferred to the body. These traction stresses can cause discomfort for people who are extra sensitive as a result of their disorders.

Claims 13 and 14 relate to favorable commodities with a view to subdividing a mattress according to the present invention.

The invention will be further elucidated in the following description with reference to the accompanying Figures.

Figure 1A is a schematic representation of a mattress according to the invention. Figure IB shows the mattress according to the invention with the air chamber layer in the adjusting position.

Figure IC is a corresponding view with FigureIB with the air chamber layer in the resting position.

Figure 2 is a corresponding view with Figure I-C, wherein the mattress has a different bottom base layer.

Figure 3 shows a partial perspective view of the cross section of a mattress according to a first embodiment of the invention.

Figure 4 shows a mattress according to the invention in another embodiment.

Figures 5A and B show two operating positions of an air accumulator.

Figure 6 shows a second embodiment of an air accumulator.

Figure 7 shows a third embodiment of an air accumulator.

Figure 8 shows a further embodiment of a mattress according to the invention.

Figure 9 shows yet another embodiment.

Figures 10 and 11 show another additional embodiment of a mattress in accordance with the present invention in their two respective operating positions.

Figure 12 shows a further embodiment of a mattress in accordance with the present invention. In the various embodiments of the Figures the same or similar components and parts may be designated with the same numeral references. The description of a preferred embodiment will be related herein to the use of the granular material, although other materials may also be applied.

As shown schematically in Figure 1A, a mattress 1 according to the invention comprises a lower base layer 2 and an air chamber layer 3 disposed above the lower base layer 2. As will also become apparent, granular material is present in that air chamber 3 layer.

Mattress 1 further comprises adjusting means 4 for adjusting the amount of air in the air chamber layer 3.

In the representative embodiment shown, such adjusting means 4 comprise air conveying means for feeding air and discharging air from the air chamber layer 3, motion detection means 5 with associated control means which can activate the air transport means.

The adjusting means 4, and more particularly its air conveying means, adjust the amount of arin chamber 3 between a rest position as shown in FIG. 1C and an adjusting position as shown in FIG.

In the adjustment position (Fig. 1B) there is a quantity of air in the air chamber layer 3 such that the person 6 lying on the mattress can change position freely on a rigid or relatively hard mattress.

In the rest position (figure IC) the air chamber layer 3 contains less air, whereby person 6 is partially supported by the granular material in the air chamber layer 3, which "molds" itself to the person.

When shifting and transposing the adjustment position to the resting position the granular material will be shifted to "fit" itself to a person such that the space is made clear of the deeper molding parts of person 6, and the space below the more profound parts. person's upper 6 is filled with granules. When the resting position is then adjusted, the "shape" of the granular bed is adapted to the person who wants the blackboard in the related position.

The activation of the means of. Adjustment may occur manually, but occurs according to a preferred embodiment by the fact that these adjustment means comprise motion detection means 5 which, when detecting a movement of a person 6, activate air transport means through which air is fed. for bed chamber 3. These sensing means 5 may also be arranged on the mattress. When movement to the adjusting means may discharge the air from the bed chamber 3 after a time, whereby the resting position is obtained.

The motion sensing means may for example comprise an infrared detector, or for example pressure sensing means, which may detect pressure or changes in pressure or movement along the extension of the air pressure chamber 3. When the person 6 However, the pressure in this air chamber layer will fluctuate, which is an indication of this movement.

In the resting position the mattress according to the invention provides very good support of the person lying on it. Thus, it is highly appropriate for people with chronic pain, for example, as a result of rheumatic disorders, fibromyalgia, back problems, and the like. The mat according to the invention is also highly suitable for bed people as it reduces, but does not prevent, the risks of bed sores.

Although the mattress according to the invention provides very good support as a result of the granular bedding adjusted to the shape of the lying person, the person can still easily change position because the person is substantially free of the adjustment granules. Upon return to the resting position the position of the granules adjusts ("molds" itself) to the shape of the person standing so that optimal support is again provided in the new position.

The bottom base layer 2 may be a usual rubber foam layer, but according to a preferred embodiment as shown in Figure 2 is the air mattress layer 7. The pressure in the air mattress layer 7 may be adjusted appropriately to optimize the action of the inner tube 8, so that the person 9 lying on the mattress is supported as best as possible and that changes in position are prevented as little as possible.

According to a preferred embodiment as shown in Fig. 3, the inner tube layer 3 comprises an upper sheet 10 and a lower sheet 11 which are hermetically connected to each other at their peripheral edges. The strips 12 are connected to the top sheet 10 and bottom sheet 11 at regular distances, for example by welding or gluing. The strips 12 ensure that the topsheet 10 and the bottomsheet 11 can remain substantially parallel to each other in the adjusting position and not, for example, begin to bulge. The strips 12 are provided with large openings 14 for the passage of granular material 13. Such granular material can easily spread along the interior of the air chamber through the openings 14 to fit the person on the side and in the resting position. .

According to an additional embodiment developed as shown in Figure 4, the topsheet 20 is formed with block shapes 21 defining folds 22 therebetween. The upper sheet here is connected to the lower sheet by means of strand-like connecting elements 23 in place of the strips .12 described above.

The intermediate folded blocks formed in the upper sheet 20 allow a relative displacement of these blocks relative to each other. Tensile stresses on the topsheet are thereby eliminated or at least considerably reduced for mattress protection. These tensile stresses may additionally cause discomfort to a sensitive person, and the resting surface may furthermore be adjusted in a more subtle manner of contouring the body lying on its side.

Due to the interlocking-type connecting elements 23, minimal obstruction (bulges in the topsheet 20) due to the displacement of the block element types is obtained on the one hand, and minimal clearance for the granular material on the other. For reasons of integrity, it is noted here that the inner space of the air chamber 3 is shown here without granular material to allow the internal construction to be clearly discernible. It may be seen that the bottom sheet consists preferably of two sheets mutually connected by longitudinal stitching at intervals. regular. Such longitudinal seams can be performed as linear or spot welds. Formed between these longitudinal seams are tubes 24 which give the mattress some appropriate or desired or, if necessary, basic stiffness. A base is thus provided which comprises a bow chamber is itself also inflatable and has a maximized height or thickness and a corresponding air volume, whereby the mattress can be formed into a desired inflatable state, preferably the position of adjustment. (but optionally also the rest position) when it is filled with air. A pump may be attached to the tubes 24 only to increase the stiffness of the mattress, particularly in the adjusting position. With a suitably chosen degree of fill and type of fill material in the dispensing above the tubes 24 sufficient stiffness for the adjustment position can be realized using the tubes 24.

Air supply and discharge to and from the air chamber layer for adjustment from the resting position to the adjustment position may occur in an obvious manner with an air pump. An air accumulator with an air storage space is however preferably applied. Air transport can thus be performed with relatively little energy and, consequently, little noise.

Figures 5A and 5B show a preferred embodiment of an air accumulator according to the invention. The air accumulator 28 shown in Fig. 5 comprises a rigid tube 29 into which a flexible, e.g. rubber, material tube 30 is received. This flexible material tube 30 is closed at one end 31. The inner space of this flexible tube is connected to the air chamber bed by means of an air connection 35.

The closed end 31 of the hose 30 is connected by a cable 3.2 to a cable conductor comprising a reel 33 which is driven by a motor 34. When it is time for air to be fed to the bed chamber, motor 34 is activated. whereby the cable 32 is wound on the reel 33. The closed end 31 of the flexible tube is now pulled towards the end of the tube 29 where the conductor is situated, whereby air is pressed out of the flexible tube by means of the cable. connection 35 to the inner tube layer. When the air needs to be discharged again in order to go from setting to rest position, the cable 32 is unwound until the situation of figure 5A is again obtained.

6 Figure 6 shows another embodiment of this air accumulator. This accumulator 36 also comprises a rigid outer tube 39 and an internally flexible tube 37. Conductor 46 is positioned near the closed end of the hose and the cable is connected near air connection 47 to a coil spring 38 which is strong enough to displace the closed end. 37 along the length of a significant part of the length of the tube 39. When the arm needs to be moved to move the mattress from rest to the adjustment position, the conductor 46 is unrolled whereby the spring 38 may pull the closed end of the inner tube towards the air connection 47. In the opposite motion the conductor 46 is activated such that the closed end of the tube 37 then moves to the right again as seen in Figure 6 in order to discharge the air from the chamber layer. of air.

Still another preferred embodiment of the air accumulator according to the invention is shown in Figure 7. This accumulator 40 comprises an air chamber 41 which may be of flexible material and of the appearance of an air mattress. The inner tube 41 may however also be made of a rigid material.

Connected to the interior of this air storage 41 is a discharge duct 42 which is connected to the mattress air chamber bed according to the invention. A valve 43 is opened to feed from the storage 41 into the air chamber layer. In order to again discharge the air from the air chamber layer for the purpose of moving from setting to rest position an exhaust valve 44 is opened. which expels air into the environment.

As soon as a quantity of air has been discharged from air storage 41, an air pump 45 is activated which draws air from the environment and presses it into the air accumulator. Such a pump 45 may have a small capacity since it is only necessary to provide sufficient pressure to supply air storage 41 again when the adjusting means need to place the mattress at the next moment from the resting position to the adjusting position.

Figure 8 shows an embodiment with internal sensing means as an alternative to external sensing means 5 for detecting movements shown in Figure 1A. These comprise cables 52 which are connected via an encoder 50 to a capture reel 51 which are connected to a top sheet 53 of the mattress 54 to enable motion detection. In response to this the mattress 54 may be made more or less hard or rigid using pumping means or full exhaust means as a valve (not shown).

Figure 9 shows one embodiment in which the compartments or side segments 55 of the mattress 56 may be made harder and stiffer or more flexible individually from the intermediate segments57 using a manually or automatically operated or controlled pump 58. This may however be a costly discharge. Although not considered essential, the granular material may also be arranged in side compartments 55. Side compartments 55 may be provided with tubes59 similar to tubes24 for the purpose of obtaining basic stiffness. The pump 59 may be connected to these tubes 59 to adjust the basic stiffness of the side compartments 55.

Particle, in the corresponding shoulder-matched areas of a person using the mattress this is considered to form a useful and workable addition.

As an addition or as an alternative, laterally extending compartments may also be provided. With a solid filler, the molding (granular) material of each compartment is thus able to take into account the loads on the mattress, such as that of a head, torso or legs, varying in the direction of a person's length.

Figures 10 and 11 show different views of yet another embodiment of a mattress 60 according to the present invention. The embodiment of Figures 10 and 11 differ in a number of aspects from the embodiment of Figure 8. Figure 8, for example, shows that a form of a user's moving direction can be realized with cables 52, which is not shown in Figures 10 and 11. 11, but may be present inside.

In the embodiment of a mattress 60 according to Figures 10 and 11, a cooling flow 61 is further initiated through the mattress 60. This may also comprise a heating flow 62. The cooling flow 61 and heating flow 62 are only schematically represented and may can be realized in various ways, for example with ducts. A flexible hose with heat exchange elements above it (optionally located outside the mattress) can, for example, be used to circulate either a cooling fluid or a heating fluid through the hose. In such an embodiment the cooling flow 61 and the heating flow 62 may thus be formed as a unit. Other embodiments are also possible. For example, use may be made of an electric heating element as a heating flow mode 62. In a similar manner such a mode may also be provided for cooling flow 61.

Alternatively, it is possible to opt for free flow through the mattress, in particular its compartments. This is particularly the case in such a case where, when use is made of temperature adjusting means such as a cooling flow 61 and heating flow 62, a possible adjustment temperature may also be monitored or indicated with a sensor, which is thus preferably positioned in the 60. This can be connected to or generate signals to a control for a user so that the user can adjust the desired temperature. The sensor is not shown, nor is a control shown. Such aspects of this mattress modality 60, however, can easily be realized by one of ordinary skill in the art.

The embodiment of Figures 10 and 11 also differs in another aspect from the embodiment in Figure 8. In place of the pipes 24 in Figure 8, other core forming devices 63 are arranged in Figures 10 and 11. These core forming devices 63 may comprise one. desired volume in the compartments. Because all core forming devices properly occupy a smaller volume than the full compartments in which the individual devices 63 are disposed, these core forming devices can also function as fine adjustments which can easily be enlarged to make smaller fittings so as to allow adjustment. of a desired rigidity of the mattress 60 as a whole. In Figure 10 the mattress 60 is thus shown with the devices 63 which form smaller core elements, while in Figure 11 the devices 63 which form core elements are shown in enlarged state. In order to adjust the volumes assumed by the devices 63 forming the core elements, use may be made of means other than air pressure. For example, it is possible to make use of stepped motors or other electrically powered options other than pneumatic tubes 24 in the modality of Figure 8. The devices 63 forming the core elements can thus be adjusted in a very fine mode and fast to the volume they assume or are. to assume, and this may contribute to the detected stiffness or hardness of the mattress 60 as a whole, which in other embodiments is achieved in each case entirely with air, and is thus embodied in the embodiment of Figures 10 and 11 with an electrically energized or generally mechanical solution. The core forming devices 63 may give rise to a type of mattress rigidity or hardness preset 60 in the same way as the tubes 24 in Figure 8, but also or alternatively contribute to a very sensitive fine adjustment of the hardness or rigidity of the mattress 60, and in particular of its separate compartments, in which a device 63 forming a core element is arranged in each case.

If the devices forming the core elements 63 are designed with a stepping motor and / or a sensor or encoder type, a control circuit may be provided with which a core element forming device 63 is arranged in each case. 63 forming the core elements are designed with a stepping motor and / or a sensor or encoder type, a control circuit may be provided with which a mattress 60 user may influence fine adjustment or to adjust the hardness or rigidity of the mattress 60. A control A remote (optionally wireless) remote may for example be provided (not shown), which may comprise, for example, a touch screen for the mattress fit 60 as required. Again: this may be a fine adjustment and / or the hardness or rigidity adjustment of the mattress 60 that is to be detected or has been detected.

Figure 12 shows an alternative embodiment according to the invention which may optionally be combined with the measures set forth above. Mattress system 70, on which a body contoured body 9, 9 may be placed, comprises a separate segment segment 72 of, for example, about 10 cm by 10 cm and 18 cm high. Each of these segments 72 is preferably preferably individually adjustable. 126 segments 72 are thus required for a 90 by 220 cm bed, of which, excluding the head and side strips, restores an area of 70 cm by 180 cm. Mattress 70 is preferably provided with a cover sheet 74, for example for anti-bedsore purposes, located above segments 72. Sheet 74 is, for example, connected to segments 72 by spot welding. This ensures good hygiene and ease of cleaning, at the same time that due to the separate segments 72, undesirable tensile stresses do not occur due to the fact that the leaf follows the deformation of the segments 72. The segments 72 comprise a damping air or an inner chamber 76 at which a pressure constant prevails for example 15mBar. A pressure sensor 78 is incorporated in chamber 76 or over the air hose connected to chamber 76. As soon as sensor 78 measures a value above the set value of, for example, 15 mBar in the sleeping position, an air valve 81 is activated. . An (adjustable) overpressure of, for example, 40 mBar, equal to that in the lower air chamber 80, prevails in the segments during position readjustment. After the position readjustment is completed the air pressure in segments 72 and the chamber 80 is reduced to 15 mB due to valve opening 81. The first part of the contour conformation occurs due to the reduction in pressure. A first segment 72Ά may thus not be overloaded (thus a pressure in the 5 mBar tube), whereas a second segment 72B is charged (30mBar pressure) and, for example, a third segment72C is charged in part of the extension (20mBar pressure). As soon as the repositioning phase is over, an under pressure of, for example, 20 mBar is applied to the lower air chamber 80. Valves 82 remain closed here. The lower air chamber 80 may be embodied as a flat polyester composite chamber, for example, 3 cm high, in which the various air connections 84 and control86, and ducts 88 may be accommodated for, for example, the chamber 76. Valves 82 are preferably open and closed mechanically or electronically simultaneously as a unit during the transition from the position of Figure 12A to that of Figure 12B. They are, however, electronically coupled to the pressure sensor 78 disposed in the relevant segment 72. It is thus possible that if a sensor 78 registers an overpressure, the respective valve will be opened so far when a pressure of, for example, 15 mBar once again prevails in the chamber of that segment 72. The volume of the second segment 72B this could reduce, for example, by 30% and that third segment 72C by 15%. Foam padding 82 will here accommodate part of the weight. As a result the volume will be reduced in segment 72B and the volume of the first segment 72A also becomes 5% smaller. In the position according to claim 12C an overpressure of up to 15 mBar prevails in all air chambers 72. This means that the back pressure on the body shall not be greater than 15 mBar any point on the surface to lie even on slight change in position. This is possible because segments 72 can be individually adjusted. If a (adjustable) threshold value is reached, a repositioning procedure will be performed again. This achieves that mattress 70 will function in a defined mode. The upper limit of adjustment, in this case 15.mBar, will not be exceeded at any point on the bed surface, with greater freedom of movement in the dedormir position. The necessary corrections are also minimized, where the adjustment values can be easily modified and therefore adapted to the user. By providing the segment adjustment values 72, mattress70 is very suitable, for example, as an anti-bedsore mattress. Thereafter, control can be extended by a control program in which change values vary during sleep chlorine dioxide depending on the stage of sleep onset (sleep phases, sleep rhythm, and individual demands).

Upon examination of the above other additional and alternative embodiments falling within the scope of the invention will occur for those usually versed in the art. Subdivisions in the transverse direction relative to the longitudinal direction of the mattress may also exist or be provided to limit displacement of the granular material in that direction, particularly in the areas corresponding to the hips and shoulders. The mattress may be limited to edge regions, even if they are not properly inserted in the claims. The innermost resting areas of the mattress, for example, may still agree with them. The area under a pillow may comprise its own control for its hardness or stiffness in a similar manner to Figure 9 10 or 11. The same applies to the end of the mattress feet.

Many combinations and subdivisions of compartments are possible. The side compartments 55 shown in Figures 8, 9 may thus be split into the back shape along the mattress extension, while the intermediate compartments may be provided in ten or more (or less) parts in the longitudinal direction or in four or more (or less). parts in width.

In addition to or as an alternative to the demolding material, selected compartments may further comprise the respective core elements, for example, particularly in the head or shoulder regions.

Claims (17)

1. MATTRESS, UNDERSTANDING A LOWER BASE LAYER, A BEDROOM LAYER DISPOSED ABOVE THE LOWER BASE LAYER, characterized in that it contains solid molding material such as granular material incorporated in the air chamber, and adjusting means for adjusting the amount of air in the layer. air chamber between the resting position, wherein the air chamber layer is substantially filled only with the solid molding material, and an adjusting position wherein the air chamber layer is only partially filled with solid material and also with pressure air. Mattress according to Claim 1, characterized in that the adjusting means comprise air transport means for feeding and discharging air from the air chamber, motion detection means and control means for activating the air transport means responsive to the air. motion detection means. Mattress according to either of Claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the control means are embodied such that at the beginning of a movement detected by the sensing means they will activate air transport means for the purposes of supplying air to the air chamber layer. in order to place the bed chamber in the adjustment position and, at the end of the movement, they activate the air transport means for the purpose of discharging air from the tube layer to adjust the resting position. Mattress according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the air transport means comprise an air accumulator connected to the air chamber layer and have an air storage space, and means for increasing and decreasing the size of the storage space. of air. Mattress according to Claim 4, characterized in that the air accumulator is tubular in shape with a tube of flexible material which is received therein and defines the air storage space and which is closed at one end and comprises displacement means engaging at that end to move this end reciprocally in the tubular form. Mattress according to Claim 5, characterized in that the displacement means comprise a cable conductor. Mattress according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the air transport means comprise a pocket connected by an air duct to the air chamber layer, a small capacity air pump and valve means in the air duct. air and not air duct leading out. Mattress according to any one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the solid molding material is at least one of the materials from the group comprising: expanded polystyrene granules, latex, foam (particles or flakes); polyether and so on. Mattress according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the chamber layer comprises two equidistant sheets which are hermetically connected to each other at their peripheral edges and which are mutually connected at regular intervals. Mattress according to Claim 9, characterized in that the sheets are mutually connected by means of strips provided with apertures for the passage of granular material. Mattress according to Claim 9, characterized in that the upper sheet is formed with blocks forming folds between them. Mattress according to Claim 9, characterized in that the upper sheet is connected by connecting strand-like connecting elements to the lower sheet. Mattress according to one of Claims 1 to 12, characterized in that it further comprises: at least two compartments each having its own degree of filling with the molding material. Mattress according to Claim 13, characterized in that the degree of filling of at least one of the compartments corresponds to an anticipated load, such as a compartment in an area to support a trunk, legs, head or side. Mattress according to one of Claims 13 and 14, characterized in that a heating and / or cooling is arranged in at least one of the compartments. Mattress according to Claim 15, characterized in that the heating and / or cooling is provided in more than one compartment. Mattress according to any one of claims 13 to 16, characterized in that it further comprises in at least one of the compartments a core element to create at least one induction and / or a fine adjustment in the associated compartment.